Chinese calligraphy is an art with an illustrious tradition as old as the culture
itself. For nearly two thousand years, the basic media, the major script
variations, and the standards of excellence of the art have remained almost
unchanged. Today, Chinese calligraphy is still considered an elegant art form.

The ethical beauty of Chinese calligraphy, like music and dance, transgresses language barriers. One may appreciate the visual impact of the
composition in its entirety, or feel the continuous flow of "Qi" of the strokes in a balanced contrast of rhythmic movements.

In contrast to the Western calligraphy, diffusing ink blots and dry brush strokes are viewed
as a natural and free impromptu expression. All the varieties of the operation depend on
the mental exercise that coordinates the mind and the body to perform the proper sense
to choose the proper way in expressing the content of the passage.

Chinese calligraphers have over the centuries developed uncounted different calligraphic styles. This plethora of diverse styles can,
however, be grouped into five basic categories :

Style

pronunciation

also called

1.

Chuan Shu, Shuan Shu

Seal Script

2.

Li Shu

Official Script, Clerical Script

3.

K'ai Shu

Regular Script, Standard Script

4.

Hsing Shu, Xing Shu

Running Script, Semi-cursive Script

5.

Ts'ao Shu, Cao Shu

Grass Script, Cursive Script

Chuan Shu

In the Seal Script style, both vertical and horizontal lines are fine, uniform, and forceful, and tend to be slightly pointed at the ends. The Seal
Script reached the peak of its development in the Ch'in dynasty (221-207 B.C.). The Seal Script of the time was divided into two major
subtypes:

Ta ChuanGreater Seal Script

found on numerous inscribed drum-shaped stones (shih ku wen), and on engraved bronze vessels such as the Ch'in Kung Kuei.

Hsiao ChuanLesser Seal Script

The Lesser Seal Style is characterized by winding, wiry, carefully drawn lines, in contrast to the less refined Greater Seal Script.
Li Szu, a high minister of the Ch'in dynasty, left for posterity a Tai Shan Stone Inscription, which has since become an unparalleled model of the Lesser Seal Script style
of calligraphy.

Li Shu

The Official Script Style emerged in response to the need for a writing style that could be quickly executed, to deal with the burgeoning volume of
official written documents. The prison warden Ch'eng Miao of the Ch'in dynasty designed this broad, square, calligraphic style by modifying the
Seal Style. Its major features are stick-straight vertical and horizontal lines and a tight structure. The Official Script style was much more
convenient to write than the Seal Style, and saved uncounted hours of precious time. It also contributed to the advancement of scholarship in
China.